Atanasio Girardot Stadium (), commonly referred to as El Atanasio, is a multi-purpose stadium in Medellín, Colombia.
Located in the Laureles comuna of Medellin, the stadium is currently used mostly for football matches by Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín, the most popular clubs in the Antioquia Department. On occasion, the stadium has held Colombia national team matches too.
Its current capacity is 44,826 which ranks as the third largest in the country behind Estadio Deportivo Cali and Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez. The stadium was named after Atanasio Girardot, a Colombian revolutionary leader who fought alongside Simón Bolívar.
The stadium is part of the Atanasio Girardot Sports Complex.
History The stadium was inaugurated on 19 March 1953 with a friendly match between Antioquia XI and Mexican side Club América.
It was renovated for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup to the capacity of 40,943. The renovations also included the removal of the high fencing around the pitch, the removal of the running track, and the painting of seats.
In 2021, the stadium was renovated to prepare for the 2021 Copa América, which was originally to be held in Argentina and Colombia. However, the tournament was moved to Brazil. The renovations cost around $11 million and included more press boxes, more luxury boxes, better lighting, seating replacements, and bathroom renovations.
In 2025, a $196 million renovation was announced that would increase the capacity to 60,000, making it the largest stadium in Colombia. Additional improvements for the stadium include increased toilets and turnstiles, renovation of commercial spaces, press boxes, dressing rooms, VIP boxes, seating, modernised electrical and plumbing systems, an improved playing pitch, a new façade spanning over 23,000 square metres, and will be designed to meet FIFA standards. Construction is scheduled for May or June 2026 with competition in the second half of 2027 once the necessary permits are acquired.
Concerts Date Event Attendance Type Note April 16, 1998 Maná — Concert April 18 and November 14, 1996ShakiraConcertSold-out shows April 1, 2003 Maná 30,000 Concert October 22, 2005 RBD 30,000 Concert Sold-out show August 7, 2009 Aventura & Daddy Yankee 33,000 Concert August 27, 2010 Alejandro Fernández & Marc Anthony — Concert Terra Colombia - Alejandro Fernández cantará junto a Marc Anthony en Bogotá y Medellín - Música Marc Anthony cantará con Alejandro Fernandez en Bogotá y Medellín March 1, 2012 Maná 20,000 Concert November 28–29, 2012 Madonna 90,000 Concert Sold-out showsSeptember 22, 2013 Beyoncé 43,000 Concert Sold-out showThe Mrs. Carter Show World Tour#Tour datesNovember 23, 2016 Guns N' Roses 41,511 Concert Sold-out showNovember 30, 2019J Balvin45,000ConcertDecember 4–5, 2021Karol G63,568ConcertSold-out showsApril 30, 2022Maluma54,000ConcertOctober 14–16, 2022Daddy Yankee98,288ConcertNovember 18–19, 2022Bad Bunny80,393ConcertSold-out showsNovember 3–6, 2023RBD150,000ConcertSold-out showsFebruary 23, 2025ShakiraConcertSold-out showJanuary 23–25, 2026Bad BunnyConcertSold-out shows
Sporting events held
The stadium has hosted many sporting events:
1978 Central American and Caribbean Games 2001 Copa América 2010 South American Games 2011 FIFA U-20 World CupFIFA U-20 World Cup - FIFA.comFIFA U-20 World Cup: Destination - FIFA.com 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup
Transport The stadium has its own station on line B of the Medellín Metro, which is named Estadio.
Average attendances
See also List of football stadiums in Colombia Lists of stadiums
References